The sea surrounding Malta and Gozo has officially entered a Category 2 (Strong) marine heatwave, with water temperatures soaring to nearly 29°C following days of intense heat.According to researchers at MCAST, the average sea surface temperature around the Maltese Islands jumped from 27°C to 28.8°C in just one week, with the warmest waters recorded west and south of Gozo reaching almost 29°C, around 3.7°C above the long-term average for this time of year.Scientists said the sea experienced an extraordinary increase of 0.91°C in a single day last Friday, describing the amount of heat absorbed by the surrounding waters over the past week as exceptional.A marine heatwave occurs when sea temperatures remain significantly above the seasonal average for at least five consecutive days. Malta’s surrounding waters have now reached Category 2, meaning temperatures are more than twice the expected natural variability.Researchers warned that prolonged high sea temperatures place significant stress on Malta’s marine ecosystems, including Posidonia seagrass meadows, coral communities and rocky reef habitats, increasing the risk of disease, mass die-offs and the spread of invasive tropical species.The warming seas are also expected to affect fisheries and aquaculture, as higher temperatures reduce oxygen levels, alter marine food chains and drive many fish species into deeper, cooler waters, making catches less predictable.Scientists say continued monitoring will be crucial as the Mediterranean continues to warm, with marine heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.What do you think of this increase!•